Eurobodalla Shire RFS district officer Damian Oborn said brigades from the shire were sent to assist with firefighting after 70 homes and businesses were destroyed in the March 18 fires.

He said crews from the Eurobodalla and Bega were actively fighting fires and protecting properties on Monday morning – and praised their efforts.

“Police and RFS have done an excellent job in evacuating people and saving houses,” Mr Oborn said.

“An estimated 150 houses have been saved.”

With conditions easing on the fire ground, the clean up is now underway in some areas. The spokesperson said the focus was on blacking out, mopping up and clearing hazards, such as fallen trees, from roads.

The bushfire began early on Sunday afternoon near Tarraganda, south-east of Bega and jumped the Bega River under hot and windy conditions towards Tathra.

The fire has been downgraded to a Watch and Act and building assessment teams are on the ground evaluating the damage.

Eurobodalla fire crews involved in the effort include:

In the air, the Westpac Life Saver 23 rescue helicopter has been sent to the region to assist NSW Police with rescue capability and to provide operational support.